While GM has generated a media frenzy over its upcoming release of the Volt plug-in hybrid, and even Ford is getting in on the act, little has been heard from Chrysler. That's all changed now, as the smallest of the US Big Three today announced plans to release three electric vehicles, including a totally new all-electric sports car. One of the three models will be on sale as early as 2010.

Chrysler unveiled an "electric range-extended" versions of their Town and Country minivan, as well as their iconic Jeep Wrangler. Both models will be plug-in hybrid variants. The automaker says each will have a 40 mile range on electric-only drive, at which time the gasoline engine will kick in.

This range is identical to GM's Volt, which should come as little surprise, given Chrysler has been working with A123 Systems, the same Lithium-Ion battery supplier GM reputedly will use for the Volt. Chrysler has not announced an official supplier yet, however, and says they are "working with multiple suppliers" on potential sources for batteries.

Tom LaSorda, Vice-Chairman for Chrysler, said the new models have been in the works for nearly two years. According to LaSorda, Chrysler's strategy is radically different than GM's. "We said we’ll take something more bold on the electric — all electric."

LaSorda said, "we didn’t want to spend the time on developing an all new platform, an all new car and then an all new propulsion system. We said we’ve got two icons for our company, a Wrangler, which is the icon for the Jeep brand, and the minivan, there’s 11 million-plus which we’ve sold. And people would say, ‘My god, they brought green to a minivan and Wrangler, this is unbelievable."

The most interesting of the new models, perhaps, is the new all-electric Dodge sportscar, capable of a 0-60 acceleration time of under 5 seconds. The vehicle's range will be 150-200 miles and will have a charging time of 6-8 hours on a standard 110v outlet. The vehicle will also accept a 220v supply, which will cut charging times in half.

No name or price was given for the sports car.

Chrysler has been hit hard by poor sales due to high gasoline prices. The automaker's sales have been down more than 20% in 2008-- a value double the industry average.

Comments

Threshold

Username

Password

remember me

This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled

Compared to what? Li-Ion batteries enjoy a 5-10% efficiency gains every year. Many companies are working on producing batteries that will outclass current generation Li-Ion (AltairNano for example).

I would fully expect that by 2020, batteries that are capable of providing 50 miles of electric only power are available for $3,000 or less, last 15 years and are quite small (about 1/3 the Volt battery size).

Perhaps, Spuke, you've forgotten the definition of the word 'never', or how 5-10% annual gains compound (like in a 401(k)). I'm really trying to give you the benefit of the doubt here, but you're making it hard.

I don’t think you can read!*5-10% per year*by 2020 with a 10 mile increase in rangeThis is the kicker that you just can’t seem to read!

quote: and are quite small (about 1/3 the Volt battery size)

That is 33.333333% of the size they are now. By simple math if you can go 50 miles on that battery, then the same size they are now would be 150 miles. Granted because of the added weight it may only be 130 miles but without figures we can only do the simple math. I fail to see why you feel the need to criticize this gain in range? Or are you looking for 500 miles by 2020? Also because of the new technology we may be able to charge them in 1-2 hours that would be nice. I used to live in Alaska and at some of the stores they had plug ins for your engine heater to keep it warm as you shop so I could see places adding them in with a fee or for free.Some day I could see some one asking “Gas? What is gas?” It is like a fart!

No, I wasn't trying to say that. hell, with even half a percent increase per year, we'd be able to see this within our lifetime. Never is just a strong word. I don't mean to argue the exact figures, just the concept.